the next version of "version 2/why blog?".. previously austereseeker.rediffblogs.com

Monday, June 30, 2014

I had a very interesting experience the other day. Someone
asked me for advice, and perhaps that person didn’t care for what I said,
possibly that person’s mind was already made up and they were just looking for
a reaffirmation. Which was the problem--I had quite the opposite view. In the
end the person did as they pleased. Quite interesting, this whole episode—taught
me that people have already made up their minds about what they want to do when
they ask for advice. One shouldn’t view this advice as a thing to give serious
time and thought to, not more than superficial thought at any rate.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Somedays back
I cancelled one of the newspapers I used to read. Added google alerts for specific
journalists I liked to read and companies Added email subscriptions for several
newspapers. Added email subscriptions for several GOOD blogs like
dividendmantra, dividendgrowthinvestor, mrmoneymoustache. Have been A Simple
Dollar loyalist for very long. And Subramoney, freefincal, 5 minute wrapup,
Jagoinvestor, Moneylife, Morningstar and Onemint… among others for India.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

If this unwinding is the epilogue, the prologue was written
in 2005. How prophetic that realization of what was to happen, would happen, certainly come to pass in the next few years
strike me right then-- that the sand under my feet was shifting and would leave
me adrift—that occur right then in that historical trading room, the rotunda at the
nation’s major s. exchange.

I will never doubt my gut feel ever again.

The indices inch higher. Only to fall someday I’m sure. But
I am at peace.

I choose the light…
as the prayer goes, asamo ma sat gamaya… from untruth to truth, from death to
light everlasting.

Monday, June 23, 2014

A peaceful Sunday
after long. A productive day, I get over a month/ fortnight? long translation
block and feel elated at a page!

My sis-in-law visited, the first family guest in this not-so-new house even if it was only
for half an hour. I feel blessed.

How does one wipe out the negativity that has been built
over the years of making do, adjusting? Gratitude
for what one has…openness to the world around…and? I’m working on it slowly, what a weight off my
shoulders.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

VODAFONE, in its infinite wisdom, has blocked all Loop users.WHY?Because Loop didn't pay up. But I did. Loop's problem is not my problem.This means I cannot call my doctor, or my lawyer. Or the Police, if I have to.What if there is an EMERGENCY?What &*(((%%#$-- must be the latest business practice in the UK. Nasty PIRATES!Try doing this in the UK, VODAFONE!PS: To their credit, they replied to my mail to the UK CEO. Even if that was the fifth assistant to the big man.PSS: Now I know why phones have dual sims.

Monday, June 16, 2014

So what do you say to someone close. Just as one had foreseen the illness has
spread, and every medical intervention merely a short term band aid. Plus the
weight of having to put on a happy face. Life is so short, so beautiful…Life
just IS …and yet.

Everything else pales in comparison. Life takes you by the
collar, demanding to be taken seriously.

This first stage of monsoons, when one is grateful for the
skies opening up…may the Gods be kind, we need the water… later of course one
shall crib about the incessant rain and dark skies

What brilliance and kindness… looking at you, I can only
imagine what Lord Rama must have looked like. May your life treat you well.

Wednesday, June 04, 2014

Goodbye Amby. At peace,GJK 6280. Hindustan Motors is ceasing
production of the good faithful. Finally.

Yes, a solid car… but with hidden ambitions of being a
truck. How else can you explain a 1967 model functioning and taking on long
road trips in the 1980’s? Taking unheard-of loads—at one count we were so many I
and a cousin sat first in the luggage compartment and then on the roof… what
fun, we still laugh about those days… and when she began to get really old and worn the
battery was the first to go, and all of us would be busy pushing her to make
her start… and inevitably she would, a few paces down the road. GJK… first a
rich jade and then silver-grey…but solid metal none of your flimsy ABS or tinplate... I had tried to drive her too, after my first
lessons on a tiny fiat… had driven into the gate, knocking down a pillar-- which so mortified me that I gave
up driving all together until the second license in 2010 and driving in my
suburb which is a life lesson in patience , fortitude, compassion for the other so keen for getting his way....The Wagon R is light on
her feet, responds to a feather touch.. but no way she will last a decade, alas, and it is unlikely that one speeds down a highway singing songs with her.

Monday, June 02, 2014

So humpty dumpty had a fall… didn’t notice the ripe fruit of
the umber/guler that had plonked neatly near the office gate, and I slipped, and
fell…I think the sunlight I soak in every morning on my walks is the reason I
stood up, dusted myself and limped away… And yesterday I walked for an hour in the
evening…Much gratitude to the Gods…

One advantage of old places such as the one I live in, are
shortcut walking-only lanes that twist and turn, remnants of times when these
were tracks that crept uphill through tangled forests… now that the said
forests have been replaced by concrete, the tracks survive and cut short a 1.5
hr walk by 45 min.